A gardeners life is haunted by the power of Marguerite. After saving Geoffrey from a fallen tree during a storm. Phoenix and Geoffrey became close. Marguerite a woman with influence by followers on her gardening platform has inspired others to find growth in landscaping.
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Having Phoenix’s knowledge thrust Marguerites into a place of recognition eventhough she was not the inspiration behind the project. Every word was Phoenix’s and every plant and tree was chosen by Phoenix. Phoenix wanted recognition for her craft.
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Stepping into the life of Marguerite came with its own surprises. Mary Carter Dixie showcased a story of obsession and secrets. The story centers around a painting of Marguerite by the Lake. It was like a living breathing thing. The painting was her presence. The landscape became the focal point of the story carrying with it a significant amount of information. Mary Dixie Carter writes an intriguing story about Phoenix’s relationship with Taylor and Geoffrey. The shoes she’s trying to fill were not made for her and between her guilty conscience and Taylor’s constant reminders of who they belong to; navigating a place in a life that was acquired by someone who was established takes incredible strength.
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Mary Carter Dixie writes a fascinating story about a woman who wanted the life Marguerite had. I was captivated by the unique nature of this story. The deep presence of the trees and flowers really showcased how much they inhabited and consumed the property. A truly spectacular read from cover to cover.

I downloaded this book as the storyline looked interesting. As I started to read it, I got more frustrated with it. A young woman who works in the gardens of a famous author known for her garden photography books becomes involved with the woman's husband. What follows is a series of events involving murder, affairs, etc. I did love the descriptions of the flowers but that was the best part. I will not be recommending it.

This was such a wonderfully done novel, it had that suspenseful feel that I was looking for from the description. The overall story was everything that I was expecting and still have that tension that I was looking for. The characters overall were written well and had that element that I wanted. Mary Dixie Carter wrote this perfectly and left me wanting more.

Gothic Mystery of Wealth, Power, and Secrets

An excellent gothic-style story unfolds in Marguerite, where the lifestyle icon Marguerite Gray, known for her lavish garden parties and as the subject of the infamous painting "Marguerite by the Lake," lives a life surrounded by wealth and influence. But the perfectly curated image hides the fact that much of the work behind the scenes is done by countless others, each playing their part in maintaining her glamorous lifestyle.

When Marguerite mysteriously plummets to her death on her own estate, it is initially deemed an unfortunate accident. However, as the days pass, the layers of opulence begin to peel away, revealing a tangled web of secrets, power plays, and intrigue. Dixie Carter masterfully weaves a story that tightens its grip with every chapter, drawing readers into a claustrophobic world where appearances are deceiving, and every character harbors a dark side.

The story is narrated by Phoenix, the quiet and observant gardener who has always worked in the background, keeping the estate's grounds flawless. Through Phoenix's eyes, we are given an inside look into the investigation that ensues and how the fractured family attempts to cope with Marguerite's death. The atmosphere grows ever more stifling as Phoenix finds herself drawn deeper into the mystery, as well as into the allure of the wealth and power that surrounds the family. She becomes both a witness and a participant, swept into the very world she once viewed from a distance.

Marguerite by the Lake is a thrilling tale that keeps you guessing until the very end. With its gothic elements, atmospheric tension, and complex characters, it explores the intoxicating nature of wealth and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery infused with psychological depth and gothic charm. Pick up this book to find out what really happened that fateful day.

#stmartins #margueritebythelake #marydixiecarter

In the spirit of the movie All about Eve, a famed and beloved garden designer find herself at odds with her protégé, who is not only good at horticulture, but also good at seducing her teachers husband. Death and calamities abound.